Maha Navami

 

• It is the ninth day of the Navratri festival and is the final day of worship before Vijaya Dashami or Dasara.
• Goddess Durga is worshipped in different forms in different parts of the country.
• It is celebrated on Navami day of Ashwin month
• On this Goddess Durga won the battle against Mahishasur which lasted for 9 days.
• Mahanavami is considered the eve of starting anything new on Vijayadasami.
• On this day Goddess Durga is worshipped as Saraswathi Devi. In South India Ayudha puja (Puja for all machinery tools ..etc) is Observed.
• In North India Kanya Puja is performed, and nine young girls are worshipped as nine forms of Goddess Durga. They are offered new clothes and gifts by devotees.
• In Eastern India Special pujas are performed for Goddess Durga.
• On this day royal sword is worshipped in Mysore. Processions of camels and elephants take place.
• In Telugu states particularly in Telangana Bhattukamma festival is observed. This puja is done by arranging flowers in seven-layer form and it is offered to Goddess Gauri.
• It is also believed that puja done on this day is equivalent to puja done on all nine days of the Navratri festival.
• Other pujas that are held on this day are Suvasini Puja and Dampati Puja.
• A special ritual of Navami Homa is done at the end of Navami Puja.
• In some places, the ancient tradition of Navami Bali, or the sacrifice of animals is still practiced.

2024 Date: October 11.